Yesterday we finally woke up to some snow, and now we’re waiting for Winter Storm Juno to pummel the Northeast tomorrow afternoon. My school district has already called an early dismissal for 1pm tomorrow, it’s going to be bad. But yesterday, with the 2 or so inches we got here by the shore, Hannah and I went out for a bit to stomp around in it.

I think some of my friends wonder what I do all day now that I’m not teaching. I’ve heard cracks about all the naps I must take, yadda yadda yadda. And seriously, since I’m basically a cross between a stay-at-home and work-at-home mom, it can be hard to explain without being met by blank stares that are most certainly thinking I hang out on the couch all day.

Here are some good things that have happened lately, to turn my birthday frown upside down.

One of the GeekMoms, Natania, got a bunch of us hooked on Ipsy. My first bag came last month, and I just got the email that my February bag is on its way. Happy dance! I loved the goodies in the first bag (that Briogeo deep conditioner was amahzing).

I turned 35 yesterday. I had all kinds of plans to pick Hannah up from school and head into the city for fabric shopping at City Quilter, a trip to Books of Wonder to get this year’s Caldecott books, and maybe a stop at Marimekko to investigate a new raincoat for her.

It’s that time of year again. Time to see how last year’s resolutions measured up, and to make some plans for the new year. I know some people hate on resolutions, but I’ve always enjoyed making them and tracking them. I like lists, and resolutions are the ultimate lists.

I’m thankful for my amazing husband and daughter, who love me enough to do things like come with me to the Macy’s parade balloon inflation yesterday. In the rain, then in the freezing rain, just to help honor my favorite tradition.

I’m thankful that even though I lost my job this year I seem to be finding my way.